Model railway toolkit

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DavidH

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I have a shed stuffed full of tools for metalworking, woodworking, etc, but I'm now trying to take my first LGB loco apart. What tools do people recommend? obviously have some screwdrivers, but on my stainz to get the gearbox off I need to remove the hex head screw, and I don't have a tool for that. Do I attack it with pliers or is there a suitable toolkit I can get which will help? Advice appreciated.
 
It's worth getting some Nut Spinners (oo-er Missus....) - either just a couple in the particular sizes you want, or just buy a set, something like this:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Metric-Stu...=1522414224&sr=8-13&keywords=hex+nut+spinners

These will take care of things like the hex-head screws that LGB use on the motion rods, for all the other screws a set of decent small flat and crosshead screwdrivers should do the trick.
You CAN get the hex screws out with some small pliers on the flats of the hex if you're very careful, but the proper tool for the job is always preferable!

Jon.
 
Jon, just what I need. What advice on the sizes I’m likely to need. All metric presumably. Min / max sizes I’m going to encounter?
Thanks for help
David
 
For reassembly I would recommend a set of curved end tweeters they work well for holding small screws when first starting them.
https://www.ebay.com/b/Curved-Tweezers/34089/bn_57670640

When taking out screws I use small plastic containers to hold them if you glue a piece of tin plate underneath and stick some small magnets onto it the screws will stay in the container if it is accidentally knocked over or you could use something like this.
https://www.dollartree.com/Jot-Magnetic-Round-Metal-Containers-3-75-in-/p351729/index.pro
 
Rare earth magnet on a telescopic stick. For when you, inevitably, drop those little screws and suchlike on the floor and in the ballast. Max
 
Zerogee said:
It's worth getting some Nut Spinners (oo-er Missus....) - either just a couple in the particular sizes you want, or just buy a set, something like this:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Metric-Stu...=1522414224&sr=8-13&keywords=hex+nut+spinners

These will take care of things like the hex-head screws that LGB use on the motion rods, for all the other screws a set of decent small flat and crosshead screwdrivers should do the trick.
You CAN get the hex screws out with some small pliers on the flats of the hex if you're very careful, but the proper tool for the job is always preferable!

Jon.
Click to expand...
I second that. Removing hex head screws with anything other than a spanner or nut runner will end badly. Trying to put them back would be worse! Also metric and imperial ARE different so get the ones you need rather than hope. Rounded off screw heads can ruin a good machine
 
David, sorry I hadn't posted a further response about the sizes of hex nut spinners needed.... I haven't had the chance to go and measure up on a loco to check; I think from memory that the hex screws on a Stainz motion are about 6mm, but maybe someone else can confirm that?
I bought a set of six, all metric, in 3.2mm, 4mm, 5mm, 5.5mm, 6mm and 7mm sizes, and they have done all the jobs I've needed to do so far.
I would think that you'd only need an Imperial set if you're going to be working on older British-built live steam - for all LGB and most other modern locos, I'd guess pretty much everything is metric.

Jon.
 
Lgb tool set(maintances set )
 
SophieB said:
For small hex headed screws, bolts and nuts I've found a set of what used to be know as (automotive) ignition wrenches very handy to have (similar to https://www.amazon.com/Craftsman-9-42319-Standard-Combination-Ignition/dp/B00065T02S ). They can be found in Imperial and metric sizes.
Click to expand...

We, on this side of the pond would have a slightly different description!
Yes they are Combination spaners - open end and ring.

A box spanner (to us) is tubular with one or both ends formed into a hexagon. The tube would be drilled to take a tommy bar ...

upload_2018-4-4_10-50-11.jpeg It's amazing what a few billions (and billions) of saltwater can do to a common language;) Don't mind me - its too cold outside!
 
This is the toolkit I was referring to above - it's all you need for LGB unless you are re-wiring the loco.

LGB toolkit.jpg
 
AustrianNG said:
This is the toolkit I was referring to above - it's all you need for LGB unless you are re-wiring the loco.

View attachment 235357
Click to expand...

Do you happen to know the sizes of the two nut-spinners in the LGB toolset, Paul? That would answer one of the OP's questions.....
I should also note [engaging Pendant Mode] that the kit is all you need for a POST-CLAMSHELL LGB loco, as it appears to only have one screwdriver, that being a crosshead.... earlier locos need a decent flat-blade driver to get the rusty panhead screws out..... ;) [Pedant Mode disengaged]

Jon.
 
Zerogee said:
Do you happen to know the sizes of the two nut-spinners in the LGB toolset, Paul? That would answer one of the OP's questions.....
I should also note [engaging Pendant Mode] that the kit is all you need for a POST-CLAMSHELL LGB loco, as it appears to only have one screwdriver, that being a crosshead.... earlier locos need a decent flat-blade driver to get the rusty panhead screws out..... ;) [Pedant Mode disengaged]

Jon.
Click to expand...

I shall measure them and post an update.
Yup - pre "D" type gearbox had flat-head screws.

Gizzy - yes, I do use 50/50 smoke oil mix, but I also have two large bottles of LGB oil as per the photo.
 
Right - the two hex drivers are sized 3mm and 6mm.

You do not need the 9mm driver to drop a "D" gearbox - unless you want to fiddle around with the motion on a steam loco.
The oil pen and the graphite paste were not part of the LGB 50023 pack.

IMG_1364.JPG
 
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Errrrrrrrrr...................

I think you had the larger nut-spinner upside-down?? :think:

DSC01585.JPG

(sorry for image quality.. not enough hands!)
At a pinch you can use the 'handle' from a hex-drive screwdriver set, but the barrel can be a little thick-walled..
 
Thanks for the size confirmation, Phil - I THOUGHT it was a 6mm for the hex-head motion screws....

So, to the OP, a 6mm and a 3mm nut spinner would appear to be the ones you would need.

Jon.
 
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